Cascade Region event status due to COVID-19 concerns

Friends,

I hope everyone is continuing to do well, and staying healthy. I wanted to update you all on where we are with club events at this time.

As expected, all of the counties within the Cascade Region were granted Phase 1 relaxation status almost 2 weeks ago. Proposed Phase 2 rules (still subject to revision) look as though they will allow most club activities to resume, with some accommodations. The earliest that Phase 2 could take effect would be June 5.

The data we see so far looks encouraging for a move to Phase 2 in early June which should allow us to resume some events in either June or July, although we will need to make some changes and adjustments.

Our focus at all times is the health and well-being of our members, as well as that of others with whom we interact. As a club, we need to respect and follow the rules, regulations and recommendations from our state and local officials, health care professionals, PCA National, and the PCA’s insurance carriers.

Here are some of the things that we expect to need to work with for the duration. Please note that none of this is cast in stone yet, the process will likely change a bit as we learn what works and what doesn’t.

Communicable Disease Waiver – PCA’s insurance carrier is requiring that all members and guests at ANY PCA event (even social gatherings and dinners, not just driving events) sign a Communicable Disease Waiver. This waiver can be filled out and signed in advance, and will be valid for all events through the end of April 2021. We highly recommend that all members sign this waiver in advance and bring it the the first event that you attend. Remember, we will need a separate waiver for each family member. I will send an email with a download link to this form along with instructions within the next couple of days.

Pre-registration – In the past we have often asked for RSVP in advance. As we move forward, knowing who and how many will attend ahead of time is even more important, and so pre-registration for some events will be highly recommended. We ask that members please be diligent in letting our event planners know if you are planning to attend.

Contact tracking – We will (as required) be keeping records of who has attended each event held, in case a list of attendees is requested by health authorities for contact tracing.

Physical Distancing and PPE – We already know that regardless of the new group size limit for Phase 2 (final number not yet announced) that all attendees will need to continue to practice physical distancing (6 feet), and face masks are highly recommended when we are engaged socially. (Obviously, not while we are in our own cars.)

Waivers – In addition to the Communicable Disease Waiver, we will still need the normal waiver in advance of any driving event. PCA National is working with a new online waiver systems, in hopes that they can roll it out around June 1st. But in lieu of that possibility, paper waivers will still need to be available for signing at the start of each drive. We will be working toward as little physical touching as possible. Sanitized pens may be available, as well as hand sanitizers at the waiver station. We will encourage all members to bring their own pens and sanitizer to reduce shared contact areas even further. More details yet to come on this part.

Restaurants and dining – Many of our events (both driving and social) have historically included libations at various restaurants, diners, wineries, etc. This practice will need considerable adjustment, as the establishments we patronize will be working under limitations and regulations of their own. You may be asked to bring your own picnic lunch. Or events that do include a meal stop may be subject to strict limits on how many can attend depending on the capacity of the hosting food establishment.

We are aware that some of this may seem to be a bit of overkill, given the happy fact that our counties here in Oregon are not suffering from widespread illness at this time. But these are the guidelines we must live with for now. We hope that all members understand that many of these measures are not to protect ourselves as much as they are to stop the potential spread to others, who may have a significantly higher risk factor than do you or I. Please respect that possibility for these others and act (and mask) accordingly.